McLaren Health Care Establishes Statewide Heart & Vascular Institute, Appoints Chief Medical Director
McLaren Health Care has launched the McLaren Heart & Vascular Institute (MHVI), uniting its 13 hospital-based cardiology, vascular, and cardiothoracic programs under one coordinated system. The institute’s focus is on advancing cardiovascular diagnosis, treatment, and prevention across Michigan.
Interventional cardiologist Dr. Samer Y. Kazziha has been appointed Chief Medical Director of the MHVI.
“Dr. Kazziha brings an ideal mix of clinical and administrative expertise that will elevate our cardiovascular services and expand treatment options for patients,” said Dr. Justin Klamerus, McLaren Health Care Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer. “He has a proven record of developing and leading high-performing cardiovascular programs throughout Southeast Michigan.”
The MHVI will strengthen collaboration among McLaren’s cardiovascular specialists and surgeons statewide, allowing the system to broaden access to advanced therapies, new technologies, and clinical research. The institute will also establish best-practice guidelines, set performance benchmarks, and enhance partnerships across McLaren facilities.
McLaren’s cardiovascular programs already offer leading-edge, minimally invasive procedures—such as TAVR, Watchman, T-CAR, and WEB—to improve quality of life and treat life-threatening conditions in their communities.
“With a shared commitment to access and innovation, I’m excited to join McLaren and work with this outstanding team,” said Dr. Kazziha. “This institute represents an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in cardiovascular care throughout Michigan.”
Previously, Dr. Kazziha served as President of Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology for Cardiovascular Consultants, PC, where he standardized clinical operations across multiple sites in Macomb and Oakland counties while maintaining hospital privileges at several regional facilities.
Since starting his practice in Michigan in 1992, Dr. Kazziha has built and expanded major cardiovascular service departments across Southeast Michigan. He earned his medical degree from the University of Damascus, completed residency and cardiology training at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, and pursued fellowships in interventional cardiology at Beaumont Hospital (Royal Oak) and interventional vascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.
